January, 2013

1980 Triumph TR7

Next MeetingJanuary 7th, 2013 7:00 pm at The Weathervane in Bedford

(603) 472-2749

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Car of the Monthby Dana Casko

My name is Dana, and I’m addicted togas, oil and wheels.

I can’t seem to stop admiring BritishMotor Cars, and every so often, one fol-lows me home. Thus, begins my story ofhow I fell victim to this affliction….. uh,hobby.

My earliest memory of being attracted toBritish cars was during my freshman yearof High School. No need to ask…it wasa pretty long while ago.One frosty morning whenI’d missed the bus, I setout walking, hoping tohitch a ride. This wascertainly “back in theday”, when using yourthumb to get where youneeded to go wasn’t ille-gal. The memory of thismorning will forever beetched in my mind. Oneof the seniors had a redTR 3B, and lucky for me,he felt inclined to pullover to offer me a lift. I’llnever forget that first ex-perience; the sound, the smell, those slid-ing side windows, the view out along thehood. All the memories come rushingback when I recall that first roadster ex-perience.

Later, during the school year, our Indus-trial Arts teacher decided to take advan-tage of the welding and forming equip-ment in the shop to try to keep his badlyrusted MGA on the road. He had driventhat car all through college and it wouldhave to last a bit longer. Over the courseof several weeks, each class got a chanceto participate in the project. Plenty ofshortcuts were taken, but in the end, thatlittle car survived an additional two yearsof abuse on New England roads. Thoseexperiences flashed by, and it took an-other 30 years before I acted upon myearliest desires to someday purchase myown British car.

In the early Summer of 1999 I spied alittle blue sports car sitting in myneighbor’s driveway. I hadn’t lived therefor very long and saw an opportunity tostroll over, have a look, and use the occa-sion to introduce myself. I learned thatmy neighbor, Lenny Brown, a retired en-gineer from Sanders in Nashua, had pur-chased his Triumph TR7 convertible in1980. He had returned to the States froman assignment in the Middle East andpurchased his car at Woburn ForeignMotors. It had been his pride and joy formany years. At that time he had ownedthe car for almost twenty years and Lennyhad done a fine job as “caretaker”. He

shared several stories about his owner-ship experiences; among them the enjoy-ment of having his two daughters writeseveral reports about his “little blue car”for school assignments.

Being a young parent, I told him aboutmy three year old daughter, Michaela. I’msure I mentioned that it would be “a fewmore years” before I could hope to makethe leap to ownership, but if he ever de-cided to part with it, I’d like to be on his“short list” of potential buyers. I’ll admitthat it was more idle talk than serious in-tent.

Later in the season, Lenny was suddenlyhospitalized with serious back trauma. Heremained there for several weeks andthen struggled through a long period ofrehabilitation. As Fall began to fade toWinter, Lenny called me over to speakwith him and his wife Lynne. He realized

that he wasn’t going to be able to con-tinue to care for and drive his Triumphany longer. They told me that they had anacquaintance familiar with the car forquite some time and had come forwardwith an offer to purchase it. They alsotold me that as our friendship grew theyadmired the care I had put into my prop-erty and they knew that I would look af-ter the car with the same attention. Sincethey knew that I had the financial obliga-tions that go along with being a singleparent, they would sell the car to me for$800, less than the offer they’d received,and allow a little time for me to finalizethe purchase. On March 14th of 2000, I

knocked on his door,handed him a check , anddrove my TR7 abouttwenty yards from hisdriveway to mine. I spentthe rest of the day exam-ining every little detail, not-ing it was not exactly theTR3B that I rememberedso fondly. In order to buy atrue classic, I would haveneeded a much bigger bal-ance in my account. I hadschemed and pinched pen-nies quite a bit to land thisprize in just a matter of afew months.

Lenny and I had talked about it being achance to share my interest with mydaughter as she grew older. I really be-lieve it will be something that she will valueas a unique experience to share with herDad. Michaela is now fifteen years oldand beginning to take a more serious in-terest as the time gets closer to gettingher license to drive.

I’ve enjoyed my time with this classic.I’ve kept it garaged and serviced it faith-fully. Except for a little personal touch byway of alloy wheels and new tires, it’sstill in original condition. I’ve also pur-chased new suspension parts such asshock absorbers, complete brake kits forthe front and rear, and the full comple-ment of suspension and driveline bush-ings. As soon as the warm weather re-

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AC – ALLARD – ALPINE – TVR – DAIMLER – MORRIS MOTORCYCLES – TRIUMPH – MG - JAGUAR – AUSTIN HEALEY

LAND ROVER – RELIANT SCIMITAR – LOTUS

BRITISH CARS OF NEW HAMPSHIREMEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Visit us at www.bcnh.org

If possible, please submit a photo and article of your car to be included inThe Boot, Hood & Bonnet - BCNH’s monthly newsletter.

Any photos submitted will be returned.

Name_______________________________ Spouse______________________

Address__________________________________________________________

City____________________ State____ Zip________ Phone_______________

E-mail address____________________________________________________

Year, Make, Model of Your Auto(s)___________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Name of Referring Member_________________________________________

British Cars of New Hampshire (BCNH) is an organization devoted tothe preservation, restoration and enjoyment of all British automobiles.

BCNH provides to its members and their families British auto-orientedactivities and social events throughout the year. Benefits of the club par-ticipation include monthly meetings, rallies, tech sessions, club socials,car shows and other events.

The club publishes a monthly newsletter, The Boot, Hood & Bonnet.News of upcoming events, club activities, car show results, technical tipsand articles submitted by members are included in the newsletter. Mem-bers also receive a discount on a subscription to the British Marque, amonthly car club newspaper.

A club logo window decal is provided. Additional decals may be pur-chased.

Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at the Weathervanerestaurant unless otherwise announced. All members are encouraged toattend and bring guests.

BCNH invites you to become a member of our active and growing clubby submitting the application above.

___ Paper Newsletter or ___ electronic copy of the Newsletter

BCNHMONARCHY

PRIME MINISTERRobert Mitchell

CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERJohn Giese

NEWSLETTERJohn Giese

Irene MacDougallJoan Giese

REGALIA(open)

SECRETARYNorma Karle

WEBMASTERKate Stanley Robinson

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATORLouis Belanger

TECH SESSIONS COORDINATORWade dos Santos

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR(open)

PUBLIC RELATIONS(open)

INTER-CLUB COORDINATOR(open)

SOCIAL DIRECTORSGinger Christiansen

Cheryl BernsteinIrene MacDougall

CALENDAR COORDINATORNorma Karle

SHOW OF DREAMS DIRECTORBob Stanley

HISTORIANMike Sweet

www.bcnh.org

Contact information on page 4

Please send application and $30 annual dues (payable to BCNH) to:Lou Belanger, 11 Forest Lane, Litchfield, NH 03052

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Prime Minister’sMissive

Contact informationLouis Belanger 11 Forest Lane, Litchfield, NH 03052 424-7835 80mgbman@comcast.netCheryl Bernstein 14 Franconia Drive, Nashua, NH 03063 882-8682 Cherylbern@comcast.netGinger Christiansen7 Sycamore Lane, Nashua, NH 03063 883-0288 gingchrist@aol.comWade dos Santos PO Box 840, Manchester, NH 03105 497-3911 wade@grolen.comJohn Giese 153 Crooked S Road, Lyndeborough, NH 03082 654-2565 johgie@tds.netNorma Karle 22 Partridge Lane, Londonderry, NH 03053 437-8931 karle01@comcast.netIrene MacDougall 147 Concord Street, Nashua, NH 03064 305-5976 limacd@msn.comRobert Mitchell PO Box 270, Stratham, NH 03885 772-1116 RBMit-MM@comcast.netBob Stanley 64 North Shore Drive, Center Barnstead, NH 03225776-6698 tlckit@yahoo.com

$2239.90$1350.00

-$2607.08-$283.95-$107.55$591.32

Treasurer’s Report

Start BalanceHoliday Party DepositsHoliday Party ExpenseRegalia ExpenseNewsletterEnd Balance

November 15 to December 15Club account

$1056.39-$89.00$967.39

Show of Dreams accountStart BalanceThank you cardsEnd Balance

Welcome ourNewest Members

Eric & Anna Longbottom36 Exeter Road

Newmarket, NH 03857(603) 659-3173

longbottom@comcast.net1967 Austin Healey BJ8

Well it may not have been New Year’sEve, but we certainly rang out the old yearwith our BCNH Holiday Cheers Party onDecember 1. You will find GingerChristiansen’s review – in a poetic pre-sentation - and many photos elsewherein this issue.

When we decided to go to the Bonta inHampton a couple of years ago, there wassome concern that – with most membersliving in the Merrimack Valley area – wemight not get very good member partici-pation at an event held so far east. Well,it is obvious that the reputation of theBonta – and the collection at BayberryVintage Auto – were enough to bring apretty good turnout to the Seacoast, butreturning to “the valley” this year hasdemonstrated that our “home” is really

here. With no collection to add to theappeal, we still had ten more people atthe Mile Away this year than came to theBonta last year.

I, for one, was very impressed with theMile Away. It “fit” our size group (70members stayed for the meal) very well,and they were set up to put 70 platedmeals down within about five minutes.That is an accomplishment – and a chal-lenge that many other restaurants finddifficult to meet. We will certainly keepthe Mile Away in mind for future events.

As a closing “event” for the Club, Davidand Liz Herrick and Pinch Polenchar andI represented the Club at the NHPTVChannel 11 Preview of the upcoming 3rd

Season of “Downton Abbey.” NHPTVSupporters that attended the Previewfound three “period appropriate” Englishcars (the Herrick’s Rolls, Pinch & Suzi’sTriumph Renown and my Riley) waitingat the front door for the Downton family.

As “Prime Minister” I thank you all formaking this such a great year for BCNH.I look forward to another great year in2013

Prime Minister Bob

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Disclaimer:As a matter of policy, British Carsof New Hampshire does notendorse any of the businesses thatadvertise in this newsletter.

Rod Folia correctly guessed ourDecember mystery car.

The mystery car is an Arnolt BristolBolde. The Bolde is actually the alu-minum body version. If you remem-ber the singing group "The Crew Cuts"(Sha Boom, Sha Boom), they had apicture of one on their album cover"music ala carte". That was always oneof my favorite British sports cars.

Yeah, I really am dating myself now....

Rod

Klaus Steinbrueck restora-tion of an MG TD dash

Editor’s Note:This is the busy time of

the year for my dayjob, working on tax

software. As such, theremay not be a February

newsletter.

BCNH RegularMonthly Meetings

Please keep in mind that we are A SO-CIAL CLUB. We meet each month withthe primary purpose of MEETING – it isthe “glue” that keeps our Club alive andwell.

Meetings “officially” start at 7:00 but mostmembers arrive at the Weathervane inBedford sometime between 6:15 and 6:30so they can get something to eat – ANDTO SOCIALIZE before the Meetingstarts. Our “typical” meeting agenda is:

Agenda

1) Accept Minutes as Read?2) Accept Treasurer’s Report?3) Intro of New Members and Guests:4) Recap of past Month’s Events:5) What’s coming up this month:6) Next Month?7) Major Future Events:8) Questions/issues/suggestions9) Move to adjourn

Janary7th Meeting at Weathervane, Bedford

February4th Meeting and Pizza Party

March4th Meeting at Weathervane, Bedford

April8th Meeting at Weathervane, Bedford

May6th Meeting at Weathervane, Bedford

June3rd Meeting at Weathervane, Bedford

July1st Meeting at Weathervane, Bedford

August5th Meeting at Weathervane, Bedford

September2nd Meeting at Weathervane, Bedford

October7th Meeting at Weathervane, Bedford

November4th Meeting at Weathervane, Bedford

Decembertbd Holiday Party

BCNH 2013 Calendar of Events

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2012 BCNH Holiday Party

Comfy by the fire,In the barn in Milford town

Gathered friends bearing toysFor the tots settled down.

On that frosty afternoonGlasses clinked in good cheer,

Hearts were warmed, tootsies too,As we all assembled near.

A goodly crowd was presentIn the former barn that dayA perfect homey setting is

The quaint Mile Away.

We supped and shared stories:Of cars, this and that,

‘Til dessert was served and PM BobPulled tickets from his hat.

Lively chatter now was heardAs door prizes were delivered

By ladies Norma and Diana near the fireThey never shivered.

Accolades were given,To our now retired WadeSuch a jolly chap was he

As his thank-yous were made.

Alas the party dwindledRumor spread…it must not end!

So they hied through tiny snowflakesTo the Karle homestead then.

More food and martinis met usAmongst the charming setting there,

Twas good fellowship and lively timesWe’ll see you all .… take care.

Respectfully submitted Ginger ChristiansenSpecial thanks to my Editors Chris and Susan Regula

7

8

Leesa Knudson HudakDon Hudak, Owners

www.BritBooks.com

800.732.3646BritBooks@BritBooks.com

149 Morrill RoadCanterbury, Nh 03224

McLean Enterprises Inc.

Sales & ServiceOrderingInformationFax

Over 30 Fine British Sports Cars in stock14 Sagamore Road (Rte.1A) Rye. Nh

Check out our Web Site at www.britbits.com

603 436-1989800 995-2487603 433-0001603 433-0009

MG • Austin Healey • Triumph •Sunbeam • Jaguar • Morris MinorSales & Service • Parts, New & Used • Gifts • Clothing • Accessories

Brit Bits atCar of the Monthcontinued

To order your BCNH name badgecontact John Giese at:

(603) 654-2565 or

johgie@tds.net

turns and it comes out of Winter hiberna-tion I can return it to its customary opengarage bay and renew those components.

Woody Cooper, owner of the Wedge Shopin Taunton, Massachusetts has built quitea reputation amongst the corps of“Wedge-heads”. He’s provided all of thereplacement parts needed. The other carclub I belong to, the TWOA (The Tri-umph Wedge Owners Association), haspublished a large number of technical ar-ticles related to the care, improvementand preservation of these cars. I’m com-fortably prepared with the resources todo a thorough job of it. With my interestand ability with auto mechanics I can ac-complish this work in approximately thirtyhours. There are a few characteristicsrelated to handling and braking that willstay true to the original configuration,while decidedly improving safetyand performance. These are thetype of high quality components oneis proud to use in a renewal project.They weren’t inexpensive but as weall know you get what you pay for.

I’m looking forward to sharing someof the easier tasks with my daugh-ter, hoping to show her the value ofunderstanding what makes each in-dividual bits function. I know that byseeing these components up closeshe’ll have some confidence andunderstanding of the unique person-alities that a British car possesses.

Though this model is much maligned andeven scorned as being a “poser”, thosewho have owned them and spent someserious time driving can appreciate theircapable handling, roomy cockpit and rela-

tively spirited performance. The later TR8s have more “grunt” for sure and in anydistribution of both models American en-thusiasts will naturally gravitate towards

the higher horsepower. I’d be lessthan honest if I didn’t admit to want-ing a little of that gusto myself.

Still, the intent of buying this TR 7was to have a very safe and funclassic to pass along to Michaela.It will have just about 58,000 milesand will still be in tip-top, rust-freecondition. I’ll get some pleasurefrom seeing her enjoy driving andowning a vehicle that is a bit out ofthe ordinary and the best part is thetime we’ll spend as she “grows intoit”. My only concern now is whatmight follow me home next!

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An Invitation to Subscribe to

British MarqueCAR CLUB NEWS

We are now a Participating Club of the British Marque Car Club News, a monthly tabloidnewspaper featuring the news of our club and numerous other British car clubs as well.

Members of Participating Clubs can subscribe to the Marque at a discounted subscriptionrate. You can use the form below to subscribe and begin receiving 11 issues/year full ofinformation about British car events, tech tips, special features, parts supplies andclassifieds.

Free Classified Privilege

Each subscriber from Participating Clubs is also entitled to one free non-commercialclassified (up to 20 words) per issue. An additional 15 cents will be charged per wordover the 20 word limit. Photos are also additional, at $7.50 each.

Subscriptions for U.S. Participating Club members are only $15.00/year.Subscriptions for Canadian club members are only $19.00 (U.S.)/year.

Subscriptions for U.K. and elsewhere overseas are only $25.00 (U.S.)/year.

Don’t delay ~ Subscribe today!

British Marque Car Club Newsc/o Enthusiast Publications, LLC5 Old Nasonville RoadHarrisville, RI 02830U.S.A.

PARTICIPATING CLUB SUBSCRITION FORM

Club Name _________________________________________________________

Member Name ______________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________

City ______________________ State/Prov.______ Zip/Post Code ____________

Phone (Optional) (____) _____-_________ Date ___________________________

Attach cheque or money order payable to Enthusiast Publications, LLC

Form and cheque must be received by the 20th of month prior to receive next issue.

10

Free to good home60 spoke MGB wheels. In OK shapebut would be better with a good blasting.800-221-6238, mike@mssc-traffic.com

2 rebuilt Zenith carburetors, Ser.#175SCD-2, plus 2 new air filters and newmanual choke. Total price $350. Haveother misc. parts for British sports cars.Contact John at 225-6915, orjod4019@comcast.net

1980 TR-7 convertible, white (originalpaint), no visible rust or major dents, carwas never in any accident. Engine runswell and shifts well. Tires in goodcondition. Top is black and in faircondition. Car is garaged. It was registerin NH for many years and in MA the past12 years. I was a previous member ofBCNH and as such you may have seenthis car at shows. Asking $3300. Dr.Bruce Witte (508) 875-5552

MG Parts for sale: 1800 bare block - $75 cylinder head - $100 (4) rods/pistons - $25 manifold and (2) SU's Radiator with electric cooling fan - $75Dick Merrill 603 224-6822

Free to good home1. Owners Workshop Manual (softback)for MGB Roadster & GT Coupe 1962to 1974 by Haynes2. SU- Hitachi Carburetors Manual(softback) by Carbooks, Inc. - Tune,Adjust, Repair, Rebuildemail me at: Robert.Weller@Bdal.com

1953 Jaguar Mark 7 salon sedan -original California car -metal sun roof-needs restoration. All there. In barn for15 years now. Too many projects. Makeoffer. I will email pictures. 978-356-7295johnr@americanrecoveryllc.com

I received the notice found belowfrom a number of sources in our club(ENMGR). Before I sent it out tothe club membership I did some re-search to determine that this was notsome kind of scam. After talkingwith the father (William Broome) Icame to the conclusion that the mes-sage was legitimate. William is 76and has accumulated over 1000sports cars including MG's, Tri-umphs and Jags of all ages - mostlyparts cars. The message is belowbut as in all cases neither I or theclub assume any responsibility.

Message From:Kelley Broome

Classic & Sports Car Parts1708 Donna Dr.

Columbia, SC 29203803-743-5537

I have over 300 MG MG-B & GTautos of all years that have lots ofhard to find parts that will be goingto the crusher, if there are any partsthat you might need or think that oneday you might at a large saving. Sendme a list of what you need or wouldlike to stock for the future when Istill have them. My email iskelleybroome@live.com

MG PARTSfrom John TribleMG Cleveland

1979 MGB - $16000 (Westbrook,Maine) Allright all of you British LeylandCar Lovers. A MUST SEE BRITISHLEYAND TOURING SPORTS CAR. Itwas an end of the era, of a true BritishTouring Sports Car. Call Anytime, 1-207-318-2769

www.v12s.com

Aluminum Alloy Cooling Fan SystemsPolyurethane Suspension Bushings

Electric Wire Harness/Loom SetsFuel Injection Rebuild Kits

LED Upgradesfor all British and European Classic Cars

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Wanted

1953 TD Engine I would appreciateanyone’s help in finding a 1250cc Engineto rebuild. Ivan Dorechuck23@metrocast.net

1975 TR6 - 54,087 original miles. Redwith black interior. This is a two ownervehicle and the first owner is family.Always garaged. Never had any bodywork except paint about twenty yearsago. Bondo-free. Michelin red-lines.Seats and carpet were to be next project.Small patch on conv top, but otherwise ingood shape with very clear windows.New stainless exhaust. $10,250. Pleaseemail with further inquiries and photos.dhreedjr@yahoo.com

TR6 Metal rims for sale: I'm convertingover to wire wheels so I'm selling 4 newlypainted rims, spare tire rim, four chromewheel trim rings, and black hub caps.The 4 wheel rims were bead blasted andpower coated only about 5 months agoand look great! Spare rim in good shapebut has not been repainted. Chrome wheelrim rings are in great shape with no rustor nicks... Black hub caps are also in verygood shape.I'm looking for: $275 for the 4 newly painted rims $25 for the spare tire rim $50 for the 4 chrome wheel trim rings $35 for the 4 hub capsLocal pickup only. Willing to meet you foran exchange if the distance isn't too far.Please call (603) 512-2675, ask forDennisNote: pictures show the rims mountedon red line tires... this sale is for therims, trims and caps only...not the redline tires.

MGA 1500 short block - fresh groundbalanced crank and rods crank .020 and.030 Bore .020 Block only No head. Allwork performed by Auto machinist$2,400.00 call 603-652-4717 Ivan.

Jensen Healey Factory Workshopand Owner’s Manual Both in verygood condition, $100.00 for both

TR6 and Spitfire Restoration Guides.Like new, $20.00 each

Big Healeys Collector’s Guide.Excellent condition, $30.00

MGB GT V8 Owner’s Manual.Damaged cover, $10.00

Contact Mike at:coventrycat71@comcast.net

1979 Triumph Spitfire Red with whitestripe. Low mileage. New paint job. Hardtop, new soft top, tonneau cover, magwheels. $5000 or B.O. Call John 225-6915

Austin Marina Dealership LightedSign: Two sided Austin Marina sign,works great. $250. Contact Mike Sweetat coventrycat71@comcast.net

Marquette DTNA VISIONOwned by a local garage since NEW. Ithink one cable got lost asI never got it from owner.I never used it because Ihave 2 others in mygarage. A real classic toolpriced to move $150.00or best offer Ivan.chuck23@metrocast.net

Antique 1973 MGB Convertible.Condition is very good. Running conditionis excellent. Have owned this sports carfor approximately 14 years. It has beenput up for the winter each of these. Wehave service and repair orders of whatwe have done. Well maintained. $7995Call Bob at 603-332-9038

1970 E-Type Jaguar - plus parts Plaistow, NHPAUL NARKUS 603-382-2064

MGA battery coverContact Gerry Cleary at603-626-7599

Sandblasting cabinet that Wade canborrow. Contact Wade at 603-361-2653

British Cars of New Hampshire22 Partridge Lane

Londonderry, NH 03053

Mystery Car - Can you guess it?